Therapeutic properties of propolis

Propolis are resins of plants and trees collected by bees, to which they add their own secretions. The bees use propolis to cover holes in the hive, avoid vibrations, mummify intruders who entered the hive that cannot be expelled because of their size, avoiding putrefaction and the appearance of infections, and to disinfect the entrance to the hive and the cells where the new bees are born.

Other articles related to the hive, which may interest you is the following: The bee pollen

Where to buy propolis

In our shop specialising in honey from Las Rozas in Madrid you will find the largest selection of raw honeys, propolis, pollen and royal jelly. We have propolis in different formats; propolis solutions, in spray and drops. On request we can also bring you propolis mixed with honey or in tablets of pure propolis.

Medicinal properties of propolis

The composition of propolis is very complex, and not all its components are known yet. In addition, the composition of propolis varies according to the species of the plant, the climatic conditions, edaphological, and the state of the hive.

Propolis is a viscous mass with a color that can vary from creamy white, yellowish or red to a black color. Propolis has a particular, strong odor with a pungent, spicy taste.

New research has reconfirmed the following properties and discovered new ones:

1. Bactericidal properties:

Several components of propolis, such as: benzoic acid, with its oxy and methoxybenzoic derivatives, p-coumaric, coffeeic and ferulic acids, sexquiterpenes, bisabolol, galangin have a bactericidal (kills bacteria) and bacteriostatic (prevents the development of bacetries) and antimicrobial action.

2. Cholesterol:

Propolis contains unsaturated fatty acids, which inhibit the oxidation of cholesterol and zinc. A deficiency of zinc in the body, produces a reduction of HDL cholesterol, the so-called good.

3. Antioxidant properties:

Components of propolis such as sodium benzoate, zinc, phenyl-carbon acids and flavonoids have antioxidant properties, preventing degenerative processes such as cancer and slowing the aging of the body.

4. Anti-cancer properties: Neurofibromatosis:

Neurofibromatosis is an inherited disorder that causes the growth of tumors (neurofibromas) in the skin, nerves of the brain and spinal cord.

According to the Clinical University of Eppendorf in Hamburg, Germany, propolis components such as fenethyl ester, caffeic acid (CAPE) and ARTEPILLIN C (ARC) stop the growth of skin tumors, neurofribromas.

5. Infertility:

Different medical studies have proven that ingesting about 500 mg of propolis twice a day can increase a woman’s chances of getting pregnant by 60%. In men, propolis produces an improvement in the quality of their sperm.

6. Stimulator of the immune system:

According to Professor S. Scheller of the Institute of Microbiology of the Polish Medical Academy, propolis stimulates the immune system, stimulates antibodies and therefore protects us from many diseases.

7. Burns and wounds:

According to research and tests carried out by the same team of S. Scheller at the Institute of Microbiology of the Medical Academy of Poland, propolis contains a substance called arginine which heals wounds and burns. Because propolis reduces inflammation, stimulates the enzyme system, cell metabolism and collagen formation. In addition, propolis does not contain any toxic substances.

How to take propolis

The propolis are in the market in different ways.

1.- In pure propolis tablets

2º.- Dissolved in alcohol solutions, without alcohol or echinacea as shown in the picture below.

3º.- Mixed with honey

Photo 1: Propolis of Castillo de Peñalver

Sources:

Apiterapia hoy. En Argentina y Cuba. Dr. Julio César Díaz. Argentina. 2001.

Deutsche Bienen Journal https://www.bienenjournal.de/